February 23, 1998

BILL ANALYSIS

TO: Members, Committee on Trade and Economic Development

FROM: Kenny Pittman, Research Analyst (786-7392)

RE: E2SSB 6235 - Creating the community outdoor athletic fields advisory committee.

BACKGROUND:

In 1997, Referendum 48 approved a mechanism established by the state to finance the construction of a stadium and exhibition center through a combination of state, local, and private revenue sources. The portion of the resulting state and local tax revenues that is in excess of required bond payments and a private contribution of $10 million is used to fund youth athletic facility grants. The Interagency Committee on Outdoor Recreation administers the youth athletic facility grants and awards them on a competitive basis to city, county, and nonprofit organizations.

SUMMARY:

An advisory committee on community outdoor athletic fields is established within the Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation. The advisory committee consists of five members, appointed by the Governor, from the public at large. The members of the advisory are appointed for three-year terms.

The duties of the advisory committee include: (a) preparing and updating a strategic plan for the development, maintenance, and improvement of community outdoor athletic fields in the state; (b) determining the eligibility requirements for a qualified nonprofit organization; (c) encouraging and providing opportunities for interagency and regional coordination and cooperative efforts between agencies and between public and private entities involved in community outdoor athletic fields; (d) appointing technical and other committees as necessary; and (e) creating and maintaining a repository for data, studies, research, and other information relating to community outdoor athletic fields.